Exposure to physical abuse, sexual abuse, and child neglect harms children, placing them at high risk for lifelong problems with serious and chronic physical illness, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, substance abuse, and learning and memory problems. Victims of abuse are at increased risk of further victimization and future violent behavior. Child neglect and emotional abuse, especially in the form of emotional deprivation, can actually have the most devastating impact on a child's healthy development.

Child abuse and neglect impacts not just the child, but the family, the community and society at large. In fact, child abuse is the core underlying factor to the many ongoing struggles of this community, such as dropout rates, homelessness, high incarceration, and health concerns. The financial burden on other public systems, including child welfare, social services, law enforcement, juvenile justice, and, in particular, education, is staggering.

The Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC) envisions a future in which every child experiences a nurturing home environment and is surrounded by adults and peers who model healthy relationships.

The mission of the Child Abuse Prevention Council is to prevent and respond to all forms of child abuse and neglect through community partnerships, education, collaboration, and advocacy.

The best way to confront the problem of child abuse and neglect is to prevent it from happening in the first place by surrounding children with healthy parental, family and community-based relationships that are physically and emotionally safe, respectful, supportive, and never violent or abusive.

The Child Abuse Prevention Council of Santa Clara County is a Commission of the Board of Supervisors made up of 23 volunteer Commissioners and several other Community Advisory, Emeritus and Committee Members who, together, coordinate the County's response to child abuse and neglect. Its members represent many different public and private agencies, community volunteers, a wide range of professional disciplines, a diversity of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and the various geographical areas of the county.

The Council meets monthly. Meetings are open to the public. Community members who are concerned about child abuse and committed to its prevention are invited to attend meetings, join a committee, and/or join the Council.

Child Abuse Prevention Council Activities:

Assess the service needs in the county for the prevention, detection, treatment and legal processing of child abuse cases.

Provide a forum for interagency cooperation and coordination.

Promote public awareness about the abuse and neglect of children.

Recommend improvements in services of families and children.

Recommend to the Board of Supervisors where the county's Children's Trust Fund and state and county funds are needed.